Oil Based Vs Water Based Polyurethane For Table

As it ages the amber hue deepens.
Oil based vs water based polyurethane for table. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. Some woodworkers dislike the yellow cast oil based polyurethane puts on white woods such as maple. The water in water based polyurethane tends to react with the grain more so you often need to apply more coats to achieve a smooth finish.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Wildly popular among hobbyist woodworkers polyurethane is durable easy to apply and comes in both water based and oil based versions. Water based polys back of lead photo are clear. Like many finishes polyurethane is named for its primary resin though some cans labeled polyurethane also contain other resins.
In general a water based polyurethane will not add color to the wood and will preserve the wood s natural tone. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. When cost and coats are calculated this works out to about 35 to 50 cents per square foot for oil based poly and 80 cents to 1 35 per square foot for water based polyurethane. Water based polyurethane has all the benefits of the oil based ones but it dries a lot faster and the odor is not as distinct.
Color odor and drying time. For every coat of oil based polyurethane you may need to apply at least two coats of water based polyurethane. Oil based polyurethane only requires around two to three coats since it contains 45 to 50 percent of the solids that create the protective finish. Resin is what remains behind to form a film once the solvent has evaporated.
Oil based poly has an amber tone that immediately darkens the wood. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. There are three primary considerations.
Oil based polyurethane 1 number of coats available. The biggest difference is in appearance. Water based polyurethane dries clear and remains clear.